Total Recall

I don't remember the details of the original, only the basic story line and that Arnold was in it. This is probably a good thing, since I remember the original being very good and don't want to watch movies just to compare. In this offering, the world created is fabulous. After global chemical warfare, the surface of the earth is basically uninhabitable. The two remaining outposts for humanity are United Free Briton and The Colony (formerly known as Australia). The political power and wealth lies in UFB, the underclass and laborers are in The Colony. To transport between the two locals, a 17 minute bus ride takes you through the center of the earth is a sort of ultra-modern funicular. Fun. There are enough plot elements tied to the details of this transport to make you think that the science is well thought out and consistent, but it is sufficiently in the background to not need to divulge all the details and blow the fact that the science is not quite right. A fine line to walk and well done here. The remainder of the plot comes from the political/power struggle between these two human outposts. Every modern mind-bending plot must now be compared to Inception. Here we are shown characters who are not sure what is real and, to a lesser extent than Inception but still present, as viewers we are also not quite sure if we are seeing "reality" or "memory". Put all of this together with a truly fabulous world reminiscent of Blade Runner but not nearly as dark so that we can actually enjoy traveling around. Somehow, though all of this fun does not quite become an altogether "must see" event. It is good and entertaining. It is probably better on the big screen. It is not the movie event of the year.
4 stars (out of 5)